Biophysics : physics of the cell
Summary
In this course we will study the cell (minimum unit of life) and its components. We will study several key cellular features: Membranes, genomes, channels and receptors. We will apply the laws of physics to develop models to make quantitative and predictive statements.
Content
Introduction to cell biophysics
Topics (lectures):
1. Biological membranes: Hydrophobic effect, 2D elasticity (2-4)
2. Molecular events: Ligand binding, ion channel function (5-7)
3. Transport in cellular systems: Diffusive, directed, crowded (8-11)
4. Genomes: Regulation, transcription, networks and circuits (12-14)
Content:
1. Introduction of biological systems and concepts
2. Description of observations and measurements
3. Estimates of relevant numbers / development of quantitative models
4. Exposure to current research articles
Learning Prerequisites
Recommended courses
Mathematics and physics courses of the 1st and 2nd years
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Elaborate a model of a biophysical phenomena
- Develop hypotheses to simplify a model of a biophysical phenomena
- Solve the mathematics necessary to construct a model of a biophysical phenomena
- Critique the results of a model of a biophysical phenomena
- Apply models to solve problems and applications
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra and exercises in classrooms
Assessment methods
Written exam
Supervision
| Others | No |
Resources
Bibliography
Lectures notes and list of recommended books
Moodle: slides, exercises and their solutions
Notes/Handbook
- Physical Biology of the Cell, Rob Phillips et al, 2013 Garland Science
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biophysics : physics of the cell
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional